KIDS Center 2023 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT

CREATING A LEGACY

INSIDE

FROM OUR DIRECTOR

2023 BY THE NUMBERS MARKERS & MILESTONES RECOGNITION & THANKS

Our

WHAT PEOPLE SAID IN 2023

“We are so grateful to all of you for your attentiveness and support, and for the courage imparted to us at such a tender time. My kids feel so loved and so do I.“

A client of KIDS Center

“Kids are our future! I feel it is important to be part of an organization that understands this. We only win as a community.”

—Alice Sole, long-time volunteer and donor (pictured below)

“One of the challenges prosecutors experience in child abuse cases is trying to avoid causing additional trauma to the victim as they navigate the justice system. Having a forensically-sound Children’s Advocacy Center— where children can be interviewed, obtain a medical examination, and receive mental health services— is a game changer. KIDS Center allows the child to tell their story in a safe environment, and generally results in the child providing more detail about the abuse.”

—Kari Hathorn, Crook County District Attorney

“The partnership you have with DHS and law enforcement to minimize the amount of times a child has to recount their experience is such a blessing. I commend the staff for doing such incredible work and making positive changes within our community!”

—Brittany Barker, after attending a tour

“I wanted to give you a huge shout-out for your presentation last evening. These were tough subjects that you handled clearly, concisely, and directly. Thank you for the valuable information. I feel empowered to talk with my daughters.”

—A parent, after attending a SafetyNet training

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Board of Directors

Sandy Cummings—Board Chair

Leslie Neugebauer—Vice Chair

Theresa Drulard—Secretary

Jason Nuñez-Mooney—Treasurer

Talena Barker

Cory Darling

Ali Dietz

Christine Frazer

David Gilmore

Stacy Neil

Annie Nelson

Tristen Ross

Sharon Wojda

Crook County Advisory Council

Terri Andreasen

Hayden Gaines

Joel Hoff

Julie Martinez

Deschutes County Advisory Council

Tammy Baney

Shannon Bauhofer

Lilian Chu

Patti Craveiro

Dick Donaca

Joanne Donaca

Jim Dover

Mike Dugan

Chris Gardner

Ted Hetzel

Janet Hiatt

Teresa Hogue

Linda Huston

Andy Jordan

Eric King

Jeff Klein

Jay Mathisen

Jeff Patterson

Justin Phillips

Sue Shepardson

Bob Smit

Marda Stoliar

Dr. Blair Struble

Diana Tomseth

Jan Wick

Jefferson County Advisory Council

Sarah Huber

Barb Ibrahim

Lisa Johnson

Nancy Seyler

Steve Webb

Dear Friends,

FROM OUR DIRECTOR

It’s always gratifying to see the immediate good that comes from our work: noticing how relieved a child looks coming back down the hall after sharing their story, or hearing that a family has the resources they need to focus on healing, or seeing the information gathered by our staff during an evaluation make a difference at trial.

There are additional layers of impact our services provide that may not be seen or felt for years to come. The many children who come to KIDS Center for therapy will continue their healing journey and go on to lead happy and healthy lives. Families devastated by abuse will gain the support of a family advocate and will emerge from traumatic experiences stronger and more resilient. And our entire community will make strides in reducing child abuse as more and more adults take our free child safety trainings and learn how to protect the children around them.

This past year, we’ve been reflecting on our shared legacy. We’ve accomplished a lot in the last 30 years. Thanks to you, thousands of Central Oregon children have a brighter future. Your support—and perhaps your personal commitment to get trained—has also helped safeguard thousands of children across our region, by focusing on stopping abuse before it starts.

If you’ve been giving thought to your legacy, we have some good news.

As we closed out 2023, we put the final touches on a Planned Giving program, a key item on our “to-do” list. We’re launching this program this year, and we’re also excited to announce our new Legacy Society to honor donors with planned gifts to KIDS Center. Learn more about how you can use planned giving to make a lasting impact (see page 5).

We hit some other exciting milestones in 2023—such as securing a new outdoor home for our Cork & Barrel event. See the highlights in “Markers & Milestones” on page 8.

Digging into the numbers, one thing was clear: Central Oregon children and families who have experienced abuse need us more than ever. In 2023, KIDS Center provided abuse evaluation services for 468 children, a 15% increase over 2022, and a 45% increase from five years ago. (See “2023 By the Numbers” on page 7.) This trend shows no signs of slowing.

Because of your support, we’ve been able to meet the growing need in our region—and help every child and family overcome the trauma of abuse so they can move forward and thrive. As always, thank you for making a difference.

Gil Levy Executive Director

How your legacy lives on.

Your gift can change a child’s life—now, and for years to come. Your legacy of care and compassion lives on in the heart of every child you help.

More than 400 children are referred to KIDS Center each year. To protect the privacy of our clients, the story of “Amy” is a representation of the children we have served. Each child’s situation and experience is different, but the outcome for each child is the same: hope, healing, and a brighter future.

How your legacy lives on— in a child like “Amy.”

”Amy” had been spending a lot of time in her room. She had lost interest in the things that used to bring her joy: walking her dog, going to dance class, and baking in the kitchen. Her world had gone dark.

A teacher reached out to Amy’s mom to share that Amy seemed unusually quiet and withdrawn at school. Her grades were slipping, and she wasn’t joining her friends during lunch. The next day, the school counselor asked Amy if she’d like to talk...and in the quiet setting of her counselor’s office, Amy disclosed abuse.

You help a child start their healing journey.

Amy and her mom were referred to KIDS Center. A few days later, they drove to Bend for a child abuse evaluation. Amy was nervous and held her mom’s hand as they walked up the steps to KIDS Center. When a staffer brought O’Malley, KIDS Center’s facility dog, into the waiting room, Amy smiled and visibly relaxed. In her forensic interview, Amy cuddled with O’Malley while she shared details of her experience. Amy had told one of her friends about the abuse, and her friend hadn’t believed her. Amy was relieved to feel seen, heard and believed at KIDS Center. O’Malley accompanied Amy to her medical exam, where she felt comfortable and in control. She was relieved to learn everything was all right with her body.

You help support the child by supporting the family.

During Amy’s child abuse evaluation, her mom was being supported by a family advocate and therapist. Once Amy had disclosed abuse, her mom had been overwhelmed with emotions. How could this happen? How had she missed the signs? Her mom was also worried that Amy wouldn’t be able to get the help she needed. The high cost of housing was eating up the family’s budget. Mom couldn’t afford to pay for therapy or the extra gas to drive Amy to appointments.

The advocate shared that KIDS Center offers therapy—at no cost—for the child, caregivers and siblings. The advocate gave Amy’s mom a gift card to a local gas station to help offset the cost of their trip. The advocate also offered to connect her with resources within the community for extra support during the family’s healing process.

When Amy rejoined her mom, she looked lighter, happier, and hopeful.

You help ensure children and families thrive with on-going services.

All summer, Amy and her family attended therapy at KIDS Center. Amy discovered how strong and resilient she was. She began looking forward to school in the fall. Her entire family grew closer, and Amy felt truly supported. Amy’s mom also attended a child abuse prevention training; she gained peace of mind knowing she was doing everything she could to protect Amy and her siblings.

Throughout this time, community partners in child welfare, law enforcement, and the District Attorney’s Office worked together to help keep Amy safe from further harm and deliver justice.

Amy is now doing better at home and in school. She carries herself with confidence. She is back to doing the things she loves. And she has a new and supportive group of friends.

Her future is full of promise—and her life is forever changed, thanks to you.

142 volunteers supported our mission in 2023.

by the numbers. 2023

children

468 received child abuse evaluation services.

1098 adults took a child safety training to prevent abuse.

45% increase from 2018

33 Expert testimonies provided by KIDS Center staff at trial.

96 received ongoing therapy.

children, siblings, & caregivers

81% increase from 2018

families

342 were connected to community resources by a family advocate.

989 therapy sessions +164%

371 Community partners trained to meet state requirements.

50% increase from 2018

76

Families received mental health support during an evaluation.

Hotline calls answered.

86

NOVEMBER

Leadership Bend selected KIDS Center for a project to promote child safety trainings for businesses.

OCTOBER

We helped launch the “Handle with Care” program in Bend-LaPine Schools, so kids who’ve suffered trauma get extra support at school, no questions asked.

JULY

Sip, a popular Cork & Barrel event, drew the second largest crowd ever.

10

DECEMBER

Central Oregonians donated $8,000 in gift cards to support our client families.

SEPTEMBER

We received our first grant towards a mobile clinic to serve rural areas.

JUNE

Our new facility dog, O’Malley, joined our evaluation team to comfort children during their child abuse evaluation.

MARKERS & MILE STONES

APRIL

We traveled to Sherman County to connect in-person with community partners for the first time since the pandemic.

FEBRUARY

We met with Central Oregon legislators to advocate for stable funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers in the state budget.

MARCH

Two staff brought back cutting-edge approaches to serving children and families from the Int’l Symposium on Child Abuse conference.

JANUARY

We gave a SafetyNet training to 96 students in grades 6-8 at Seven Peaks School.

Planned giving can help you create a legacy that will be felt for generations.

Lasting legacies.

Do you want to continue your legacy of helping children and families overcome abuse? Planned giving can help sustain your commitment to the most vulnerable children in our community.

There are many ways you can approach planned giving—from designating KIDS Center as a beneficiary of a life-insurance policy or 401(k), to making a bequest in your will, or establishing a charitable trust.

Plan a gift to KIDS Center and change countless lives. Your legacy will live on in the brighter futures of children who found hope and healing at KIDS Center.

You’ll also be honored as a member of our new Legacy Society, a special group of donors who have planned a gift to KIDS Center.

Learn more about planned giving—email

Ginger Theis-Stevens, Director of Development and Marketing, at gtstevens@kidscenter.org or call 541.306.4669.

Legacy Society members

Chris & Jan Wick

Thirty years ago, Chris and Jan Wick helped rally the community to build KIDS Center. Thanks to their vision and their steadfast support, thousands of children have found hope and healing at KIDS Center.

But rather than dwell on their past efforts, the Wicks are looking ahead, with a planned gift to KIDS Center. Their gift will help ensure Central Oregon children receive essential services and support for years to come.

Healing Hearts Society: Individuals & Organizations

Gifts totaling $1,000 or more from Jan 1-Dec 31, 2023. Names in bold have been members for the last 5 years.

Matt

Ron

Jeronimo &

Rich &

Rocky &

Bob

Jenny

Geoff

Mark

Greg

Junkin

Rhoda Kaplan

Dusty & Connie Kaser

Ken Katzaroff

Rick Kay

Bradley & Melissa Kent

Pat & Rene

Matt & Adrian Kettering Kindness

Eric King & Martha Ketsdever

Max King & Dory Koehler-

Brad Kirkbride

Jennifer Kizziar

Allyson Klein

Jeff & Michelle Klein

Scott &

Roverta Koenig

Howie & Marcia Koff

Margarita Komarova & Colin

Aaron & Suzanne Lafky

Alexa Lallos

Robert Lambeth

Cristy Lanfri

Kelly & Julie Lang

Les Schwab Tire Centers

Gil & Tara Levy

William & Ann Lincoln

Scott & Kathi Loring

Jim Lussier

Terry Lynch &

Tyler & Megan E. Mackeson

Steve & Patsy Macnab

Steve & Cynde Magidson

Karen Malanga

Friends of O’Malley

Individuals who joined Friends of O’Malley with a $200 gift during the period of Jan 1-Dec 31, 2023. Names in bold have renewed their friendship.

Bob & Vicky Nippert

Marjorie Robson

Linda Shederdemian

Sue & Stan Shepardson

Dave &

Chris &

Bob &

Erin

Linda

Isaac

Tom

Zack

Arthur

Jan

Cindy

Joe & Sue

Lou & Hollings Renton

Jayne

Jeff

Ian

Martha

Benton

Rick

Theresa

Tim &

Niall

Ron &

Stan & Sue Shepardson

George &

Kevin

Bob &

Snow & Nicole Fitch

Mark

Michelle

Michael &

Trebor

Michael C. Sullivan

Sunriver Women’s Club

Nancy Swanton

Taylor Northwest LLC

Todd Terbeek

The Yard FIT Bend

Ron & Pam Theis

Bob & Clella Thomas

Jay & Julie Tobias

Kristen Tobias

Tom & Joan Triplett

Paul & Lois Vallerga

Jesse Vaughan & Jennifer

Ong

Cherith Velez

Nina Wadhwa

Jody Ward

Marilyn Ward

Larry Weinberg

Warren & La Juana West

Jan & Chris Wick

Gardner & Pam Williams

Regina & David Willingham

Sally Wilson

Sage Wiltse

Toby & Ronda Wiltse

Candace Wimer

Sharon Wojda

Ron & Ellen Wolff

Brant & Emily Wommack

Bob & Mary Anne Woodell

Cameron & Stephanie Woolsey

Helping Hands Monthly Donors

Individuals who have made monthly gifts during the period of Jan 1-Dec 31, 2023. Names in bold have been Helping Hands Monthly Donors for the last 5 years.

Anonymous - 7

Toby Abraham-Rhine

Bobbie Bashian

Tiffany Boileau

Becky Boyd

Ann Brayfield & Joe Emerson

Dr. Kate Broadman

Janice Castelbaum

Carl & Chrissy Christoferson

Carolyn Clontz

Dawn Cofer

Tina Cook

Michael Cottam & Angela

Hogan

Selene Crompton

Patricia DeLozier

Hans & Karen Doorn

Sponsors

Katherine Dube

Jamie Flanagan

Mack & Louella Franks

Debbie Gallino

John & Audrey Gautney

Scott & Charlotte Gilbride

Tammy Gregory

Carla Grinuck-Wood

Jenni Griswold

Lee & Lisa Handley

Jonathan & Amy Hiatt

Brad & Martha Hinman

Rhonda Holland

Ken & Kaye House

Esther Jackson

Wendy Jackson

Charlie & Pat Jones

Suzann Kennedy

Eric King & Martha Ketsdever

Jennifer Kizziar

Barbara Krumwiede

Lori Leckbee

Liz LeCuyer

Thomas & Elsa Lilienthal

Boyd Lyle & Pamela Keyes

Lyle

Terry Lynch & Teresa Hogue

Steve & Patsy Macnab

Russell & Sheri Massine

Ellie Millan

Rocky & Barbara Miner

Marcia Mitchell

Allan Moltzen

Musical Impressions Studios

Matthew & Annie Nelson

Leslie Neugebauer

Marty & Kathy Nihill

Samantha Osborne

Marylou Paterson

Emily Pietrzak

Zachary Price

Kathie Reid-Bevington

Carol Reinhard

Michelle Richwine

Pamela Ritchie

Theresa & Arlen Schmidt

Summer Sears

Tyler & Catherina Simones

Jon & Lori Small

Bob & Sue Smit

Renee Smit

Don & Anita Stelle

Shaleana Stout

RJ & Kacy Strickland

Trebor & Blair Struble

Michael C. Sullivan

Kristen Tobias

Roberta Vallejo

Erica Vandervort

Jesse Vaughan & Jennifer

Ong

Daren Vom Steeg

Peter & Lindy Vraniak

Betsy & J.D. Weedman

Gary Whitley & Linda McCaul

Whitley

Sharon Wojda

Amy Yillik

Providing support during the period of Jan 1-Dec 31, 2023. Names in bold have provided support for the last 5 years.

4-R Equipment, LLC

Avion Water Company

Backyard Media

Bend Dental Group

Bend Dermatology Clinic

Bend Electric Bikes

Bigfoot Beverages

Brooks Resources

Corporation

Brown & Brown Northwest

Cascade Heating & Specialties, Inc.

Cascade Polygraph

Cedergreen Homes, LLC

Central Oregon Daily

Central Oregon Independent Practice Association

Central Oregon Pediatric Associates

Central Oregon Radiology Associates

Combined Communications, Inc.

David Gilmore-Coldwell Banker Bain

Dwyer Williams Cherkoss

Attorneys, PC

East Bend Dental

East Cascade Women’s Group

First Interstate Bank

Stan & Gail Fridstein

Foundations & Partners

Lori Ann & Scott Haigh

Hooker Creek Companies, LLC

Horizon Broadcasting Group LLC

Jones & Roth CPAs & Business Advisors

Klein Investment Strategies

Howie & Marcia Koff

Les Schwab Tire Centers

Lonza

Mackeson Advisory

Mid Oregon Credit Union

Miller Lumber

NW Natural Water

OnPoint Community Credit Union

Orion Eye Center PacificSource

Pahlisch Homes, Inc.

Lynda and Skip Paznokas

PureCare Dental of Bend

R Interior Design, LLC Republic Services

Riley Wigle CPA’s, LLC

Rosendin Electric Inc.

Saalfeld Griggs, PC

Schwabe

SELCO Community Credit Union

Sensiba LLP

St. Charles Health System

Steele Associates Architects LLC

Summit Health

Sunwest Redi-Mix, Inc.

TDS

Tennant Developments

Ron & Pam Theis

Three Graces & Co. U.S. Bank

Umpqua Bank

West & Main

Wiltse Family / R Interior Design

Woods Orthodontics

Zivney Financial Group, LLC

Providing support during the period of Jan 1-Dec 31, 2023. Names in bold have provided support for the last 5 years.

Bend Police Department

Central Oregon Health Council

The Chambers Family Foundation

Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation

The Crevier Family Foundation

*Deenihan Family Fund

DeLeone Charitable Foundation

Deschutes Children’s Foundation

Deschutes County

Deschutes County Behavioral Health

Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

Early Childhood Wellness

*Echo Fund

Enterprise Mobility Foundation

First Interstate Bancsystem Foundation Inc.

The Ford Family Foundation

Hanson Gift Fund of the Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc.

*Sue & Mike Hollern Family Fund

J.C. Kellogg Foundation

*Advised fund of Oregon Community Foundation

*Ron & Jolynn Lambert Fund

Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation

Langerman Foundation

*Charles E. and Mary Miller Fund

Mills Family Foundation

MountainStar Family Relief Nursery

Ronald W. Naito MD Foundation

National Children’s Alliance

Northwest Foundation

Oregon Child Abuse Solutions

Oregon Community Foundation

Oregon Health Authority

Pacific Power Foundation

PacificSource

The Palmer Family Foundation

Redmond Police Department

Rite Aid Foundation KidCents

Riverhouse on the Deschutes

The Roundhouse Foundation

The Douglas and Gloria Rumberger Foundation

*Scharpf Fund

Janet and Earl Seekins Family Foundation

*Shelk Fund

Sherman County Sheriff’s Office

St. Charles Health System

Stadnisky Family Foundation

James M. and Margaret V. Stine Foundation

Herbert A. Templeton Foundation

United Way of Central Oregon

Wheeler County

*Williamson Family Fund

1375

Bend, OR 97703

Your legacy is carried on in the hearts you touch.

SAVE

theDATE

Blue Ribbon Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse

April 1-30, 2024

Healing Hearts Luncheon

April 2, 2024

Cork & Barrel Wine & Food Series

July 18-20, 2024

KIDS Center’s 30-Year Celebration

Sept 12, 2024

Masquerade Ball

Oct 12, 2024

Poker Night at The Loft

Nov 7, 2024

Giving Tuesday

Dec 3, 2024

Bingo at Silver Moon Brewery

Dec 22, 2024